Thunder Alley (1985) User Reviews

Good one for rock-n-roll lovers.

[triple8 · 7/10 · 27 August 2003]

POTENTIAL MINER SPOILERS:

Anyone in a band, friend of a band member, or just a rock music fan would probebly like this movie about a bunch of boys getting into a band and the truimphs and TRAGEDIES that go along with that. Saw it a long time ago, just happened to find it at the video store, wasn't expecting much and was pleasantly surprised. This isn't a very well known movie but it still ROCKED!! Be warned though, it's not all sweetness and light, there's some heartbreak etc, after all they do get mixed up in some dark living. A good movie for music lovers if one can still find it.

can't believe it's here

[judex-1 · 29 September 2003]

This movie holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.

1) it's pretty accurate about many things

2) if you have been in a band, the travails of "Magic" may seem familiar

3) it was filmed in Tucson, AZ. when I lived there, and 15 days of extra work paid for my move to Minnesota.

4) I actually get a closeup during the big climax. (fat guy with single tall mohawk)

I love this movie, but I don't claim it's all that good. The soap opera that passes for plot might be accurate, but it's not very well done. Some of the best scenes never made it into the movie, (another song, by another band apparently was totally cut.) It was fun to watch all the groupie chicks lining up outside Leif Garrett's dressing room every day, not to mention his frequent terrible cocaine jokes. When I moved here, it showed up on a local TV station, and the radio ads were hilarious ("They're putting their dreams on the line...for one night... in Thunder Alley")! I denied all involvement for years, but I'm past that now. Notable for a rare performance by Leif Garrett, and the only footage I know of, featuring Phoenix metal stalwarts "Surgical Steel" who manage some actual heavy metal (before the hair-metal glam took over). I can't say that it is all that well done, but Clancy Brown (before "Highlander"! nice guy too) does some nice work as a surprisingly forthright road manager.

--Judex.1--

Thunder Alley

[BandSAboutMovies · 4/10 · 29 August 2021]

Roger Wilson, the star of this movie, lost his parents at a young age and inherited several million. He graduated Woodberry Forest School in 1975 with Marvin Bush, the brother of the former President, and had a pretty astounding life, marrying Estée Lauder model Shaun Casey before dating Christy Turlington and Elizabeth Berkley, which was the reason why a member of Leonardo DiCaprio's circle of friends punched Wilson in the throat and damaged his larynx so badly that he never sang again. You can read more about that in a past review of this film.

Anyways, Roger is Richie in this movie, the working class kid who becomes the guitarist and singer of the band Magic and also the boyfriend of Beth (Jill Schoelen). You know, if you're a touring musician and dating Jill Schoelen, you should just settle down and not do too much more. You're already so far ahead of the rest of all humanity.

Richie has taken the lead role from Skip (Leif Garrett, who knows a thing or two about rock and roll and drugs). Donnie, the keyboard player, is the one who gets into the drugs so badly that he just doesn't make it. But it's not all rough. I mean, the band has Clancy Brown - the Kurgan - as their road manager!

Director J. S. Cardone also made The Slayer, a movie that makes no sense so much that I love it, and the direct to video sequel to 8mm. He also directed Shadowzone; A Climate for Killing; Black Day, Blue Night; Outside Ozona; True Blue and Wicked Little Things.

Shot in Tucson, Arizona - using some of the same locations as The Wraith and Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man - with local band Surgical Steel* showing up to play, Thunder Alley isn't the best rock and roll movie there is. But you know, you could microwave up some food and have your own rib fest while you watch it.

*Their singer, Jeff Martin, sang in Racer X and played drums for Badlands after Eric Singer left. He's also worked with Paul Gilbert and Michael Schenker quite often.

Good band movie.

[spacyblu · 4/10 · 26 March 2022]

I recently rewatched this on cable and forgot how good it was. I like that for an 80s movie it wasn't glossy or unrealistic. I'm not a musician but this movie shows what I assume are fairly accurate portrayals of the highs and lows of being in a band. It also had alot of really good songs. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who hasn't seen it.

Tuson can Rock with the best of them...

[mooby1967 · 10/10 · 2 May 2005]

THUNDER ALLEY Rated PG13 Copyright: 1985 Golan Globus Films Filmed in Arizona

******** The Characters *********

1. Ritchie - Guitar prodigy who joins his friends band as the lead guitarist & songwriter. Reunites with his band mates for one last chance at the big time.

2. Donnie - (IT's Scott McGinnis) Keyboardist of the band Magic & Ritchie's best friend. Gets Ritchie to join Magic. Bites it by drug overdose.

3. Beth - Ritchie's sweet girlfriend. Tries to be supportive of Ritchie even after he cheats on her with Star.

4. Lorraine - Donnie's girlfriend. Works at the local Ice Cream stand and has boobies as big as Nortons!! Takes Donnie's death hard.

5. Wessel - Band road manager that works for the Fatman. Takes Ritchie under his wing to make him a star.

6. Skip - (IT's Leif Garret!)Lead singer of the band Magic. Leaves the band only to reunite with them later at the Rainbow Festival.

7. Wolf - Base player for the band Magic.

8. Butch - Drummer for the band Magic.

9. Fatman - Local music promoter out to screw with Magic. Gets the band to fight within themselves. His car gets trashed by Ritchie.

10. Star - Blond groupie chick that gets Donnie hooked on Drugs. Gets her ass kicked by Ritchie after she tries to get Ritchie to try the drugs. "Big Nudity Scene"

11. Candy - Random Booby shot in the swimming pool.

12. Surgical Steel - Rival local heavy metal band within the Tuson Arizona music scene.

******** What you may learn form watching this film ********

1. Music Promoters are all assholes & out for themselves.

2. Leif Garret can actually perform real music besides bubble gum.

3. Scott McGinnis did get out of the closet after Lt. Uhura locked him in during Star Trek / The Search for Spock.

4. Good girls fathers are all town drunks.

5. Ice Cream makes a girls Boobies grow bigger.

6. Heavy Metal was the choice music in Arizona in the 80's.

7. Golan/Globus made other films besides Missing in Action.

8. Never play at Buffalo Bills night club. He'll try to screw you every time when it comes time to pay you...

******** Personal Commentary ********

Now I know I'm most likely going to be bias to this film. This is my favorite film of all time. During my years as a musician I seen many films that showed the life of a musician but rarely found one that was somewhat accurate about the whole industry.

This film does just that.. It's that damn good... The acting can be better but the story is deep. I really can't trash this film. It has some sentimentality with me.

It defiantly is a keeper & wish to God they would release it on DVD soon... I own it on video and it's an original copy. It makes me feel all fuzzy inside... hehehe...

Anywho.... I give this film..... 10 moooss.... If you can rent it.. watch it... trust me on this one...

That's my story & I'm sticking to it...

Mooby

"For GODs sake, let the Moobster dance!" quote: N. Fisher

Awesome

[jcmccameron · 10/10 · 5 November 2013]

I love, love, love this movie! I had forgotten all about it until recently, but am so glad I went on e-bay and purchased it in VHS format, (the guy I bought it from included a burned DVD much to my pleasant surprise!) I was fifteen when I first saw this movie and it takes me back as if it were yesterday. Roger Wilson from Porky's is great, so is Scott McGinnis. But I have to confess that the only reason I saw this movie back in the day was because Leif Garrett was in it. That aside, the story line is great, the music is great, all the guys are great - even Clancy Brown. I get all warm inside when I watch this movie because it's so true to the era. And plus, Leif still looked great at this point in time. This movie won't disappoint if you're a music fan, especially an 80s music fan.

I finally found it!!!!

[royg01 · 10/10 · 2 September 2007]

I saw this movie in the 80's late night. I was mesmerized by the story line. Why?? I was in a band in the 60's and early 70's and the personality conflicts and drug experienced were so much like we experienced. I only saw it once and expected to see it on TV again. But never did. I was confused and thought that the movie was called "Thunder Road". And just today (2007), I tried "Thunder Alley" and I found it.

I really can't comment details about it, because it was so long ago. But what I remembered in the ONE time I saw it was that it seemed so accurate to what I experienced.

Wow, it would be so great to find this movie on DVD. I'd want to add it to my private collection.

All I can say is... If you were ever in a band and you can find it to watch it, do so. You'll love the movie.

Great movie for rock band members!

[dgolferd · 2 September 2003]

I just finished watching it again. I recorded it from HBO about 15 years ago. The tape is almost shot, but the movie still rocks. I'd love to find it on DVD. It's a classic rock and roll story. Band rises to the top...band member dies of a drug overdose....rest of band overcomes the loss and still rocks the big concert. Anyone who played rock and roll in the 80's will love this movie. Current teens may find the 80's attire and hair humorous.

A Great Movie dealing with serious problems and good music.

[jollyj25 · 10/10 · 2 December 2004]

Enjoyed the movie tremendously. Not an Academy Award performance movie but enjoyed the music and the delicate subject of drugs and rock and roll. My family watched it over and over and we never get tired of it. Now my grandson is watching it and asking questions that the film makes easy to explain. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good musical. The acting isn't the best but it gets it's point across. The songs are nice to listen to. Was nice to see Leif Garrett as an adult. There are lessons learned by the characters in the film which can be used in real life for the younger aged viewers. I would pay money to see it again. Good cast and I loved hearing Roger Wilson sing. Great voice!

A touching movie of Love and Friendship with some good music

[jollyj25 · 10/10 · 2 April 2009]

My daughters and I watched this movie years ago. I really loved it and so did they. We used to rent it all the time. No one rents it anymore. So now I am looking to purchase it. The music was great and some of the songs touch the heart. Some of the actors you will recognize and some are new faces. But if you like a movie that has a message for young people and a story of love and friendship, you will enjoy this movie. I had only seen Roger Wilson in the movies Porky's. The acting in this is much better. If your looking for an Academy Award type movie this isn't it, but if you are looking for a feel good movie, by all means see it. I am a senior citizen but that doesn't stop me from seeking out a good movie..This was a good movie.

Great movie!

[pero88 · 10/10 · 18 August 2001]

I have seen that movie like a 100 times! And I must say that I love it! That is not because it is the biggest movie, but 4 the actors and the music in it! I loved it from the start when the bell rings in the morning 2 the end!!!!!!! If some one has the soundtrack-album, (if there is one) 4 this movie.... Please contact me! I would love 2 buy it!!!!!!

Thats all........

Excellent movie for those that have not seen it.

[Paden33 · 9 March 2002]

I've seen this movie several times and enjoy it each time. It is not so much as the movie as it is the soundtrack, and from what I can tell this soundtrack has never been made avaliable for public release if you view the credits.

Finally!!!

[butterisbad-1 · 8/10 · 23 March 2006]

I have been looking for this movie - I had a VHS of it and lost it. I love the songs, and it makes me all misty-eyed. Seeing that it came out in the 80's when everyone I know wanted to be in a band, and it features just a regular bunch of teens trying to make it. I have always wanted the songs played by the bands "Magic" and "Surgical Steel". I have often wondered if the actors actually performed the songs themselves. I first saw the film on late night television in 1989, and every Internet search I have made for the film have come up empty. Clancy Brown is great as the roadie, and he shows the talent that has made him one of the best character actors today. Leif Garret even appears as a swam rocker-wannabe who will step on anyone to get to the top.

My favorite!

[Ru-Dy · 10/10 · 20 February 2019]

As far as movies about bands and music, this one is my all time favorite! It takes us back to the VCR days, and why it has not been released on DVD is beyond me. It's really good, and if you see it once you will dig it! With Roger Wilson and Clancy Brown starring, how can you go wrong? The music is great too, solid acting. But, a few issues exist. The constant comparison between the 2 bands Surgical Steel and Magic, was not a good one. Surgical Steel is a metal band, and Magic a pop rock band, so I doubt Magic would "blow them off the stage" in a battle of the bands. Then, manager of both bands, "The Fat Man", spends the entire movie promoting and pushing Surgical Steel while trying to destroy Magic, then decides to replace SS's lead singer with Skip, lead singer of Magic! Also, the rhythm section was manned by Butch and Wolf, but no one calls them by their names face to face, so which one is Butch and which one is Wolf? Surgical Steel was really great for the 80's metal scene! Still remains my all time fav, Rock on!